Pat Wisniewski was the longest serving centre manager of Martin Mere, near Ormskirk, in charge from 1991 to 2006. He recently worked as a senior manager developing projects for the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust.

He is credited with turning the centre into a popular tourist attraction, having developed the longest hide for wildlife watchers in Europe, set up an adventure play area, acquired equipment to get visitors closer to birds and started a junior bird club.

He also extended the site by almost 200 acres and set up a volunteer team with more than 100 members.

Mr Wisniewski, who lived at the site with wife Louise, died last Friday at the age of 53 following a succession of heart problems over the last 12 months.

Current Martin Mere manager Andy Wooldridge, who lived next door to the couple, said: "I've known Pat since he started at Martin Mere in 1983. He took Martin Mere to a different level and inspired his colleagues to jump on board.

"His knowledge of natural history was second to none – he was top of the tree. His legacy will be taking a development of wetland into an important conservation site. The amount of people paying their respects will be tremendous."

Mr Wisniewski was awarded West Lancashire Council's Chairman's Special Award for 2006/07 for his "dedication and contribution to the local community throughout his career at Martin Mere".

The council's chairman Coun May Blake said: "Pat was truly worthy of this award for all his hard work and dedication over the years.

"Not only has he been a tremendous inspiration at Martin Mere and instigated so many improvements, he has delivered thousands of talks to the public, written over 100 scientific papers and popular articles, and a book, Newts of the British Isles."

Mr Wisniewski's funeral will take place on Friday May 23 at St John The Baptist Church, School Lane, Burscough, from 11am.